F1 legend Lewis Hamilton slams Sky City Casino in NZ

BRITISH Formula One racing hero Lewis Hamilton has blasted Auckland's Sky City Casino after a bad experience on his first night in New Zealand.

The 31-year-old posted an angry post on Twitter, telling his three million followers: "Don't ever go to the sky city casino in Auckland, they treated me like dirt. Can't believe how rude they were. Worst casino experience ever!"

It is not clear exactly what happened to the star, but the tweet was deleted shortly afterwards.

SkyCity management is disappointed the Formula One racing champion's first night at its casino had not gone to plan.

"SkyCity is very sorry to hear Lewis Hamilton didn't enjoy himself at our casino last night," said a spokeswoman.

"We pride ourselves on providing an excellent level of service to all our customers."

Management will be talking with him today to find out where the problems arose.

"We are following up with Mr Hamilton to get further details of his experience," she said.

Fans were quick to come out in support of Hamilton. One wrote: "Dude, don't let it get to you. You normally have so much positivity. Don't let one bad experience eat away at you."

Another wrote: "How dare they!"

Others, however, were less supportive, with one man telling Hamilton: "Is it because they didn't realise who you was? Being famous isn't a one-way pass into access all areas. Is it?"

Hamilton, who touched down in Auckland yesterday, is thought to be staying at the SkyCity Grand Hotel. He was pictured arriving there with his suitcases yesterday.

The world champion, who is competing in the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in a few days, posted videos of his arrival into the country on his Snapchat.

The first video appears to be from out a plane window while he's flying into Auckland.

Another video shows him walking through Auckland airport.

"First time ever to New Zealand, so I'm excited to see this beautiful place," the star said.

The final video appears to be taken from a balcony in the CBD.

Lewis Hamilton in action with his former team McLarenClive Mason/Getty Images

Mercedes-Benz today said Mr Hamilton was in New Zealand relaxing in a private capacity before this weekend's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

There were no formal outings planned, nor would he be borrowing any vehicles to use during his stay from them.

Hamilton, 31, races for the Mercedes AMG Petronas team.

In his first season in Formula One, he set numerous records while finishing second in the 2007 Formula One World Championships.

He also won the championships in 2014 and 2015, making him the first British driver to win two consecutive titles.

He is the only driver in the history of the sport to have won at least one race in each season he has competed to date.